Kidney cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the kidneys. The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located behind the abdominal organs, with one kidney on each side of the spine. Kidney cancer is a common type of cancer that affects both adults and children. In adults, renal cell carcinoma is the most common type of kidney cancer, while in children, Wilms' tumor is a common type of kidney cancer.
Kidney cysts are round pouches of fluid that form on or in the kidneys. They can occur with disorders that may impair kidney function. However, most kidney cysts are simple kidney cysts, which are non-cancerous and rarely cause problems.
A kidney infection is a type of urinary tract infection (UTI) that occurs when bacteria enter the kidneys and cause an infection. The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located in the lower back on either side of the spine. They play a crucial role in filtering waste and excess fluids from the blood and removing them from the body through urine.
Kidney stones are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys. They can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a pea. Kidney stones can cause severe pain in the side or back, nausea and vomiting, and frequent urination.
Kleptomania is a mental health disorder that involves repeatedly being unable to resist urges to steal items that you generally don't really need. Often the items stolen have little value and you could afford to buy them. Kleptomania is a type of impulse control disorder, which involves problems with emotional or behavioral self-control.
Klinefelter syndrome is a genetic condition that affects males, resulting in an extra copy of the X chromosome. It is a common chromosomal disorder that can affect 1 in 500 to 1 in 1,000 males. Klinefelter syndrome is often diagnosed in adulthood, although it can be diagnosed earlier in childhood.
Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome (KTS) is a rare congenital disorder characterized by abnormal blood vessel and soft tissue development, leading to physical deformities and discomfort. It is a complex condition that affects approximately 1 in 100,000 individuals worldwide. The main features of KTS include a red birthmark (port-wine stain), atypical vein or lymphatic development (malformations), and overgrowth of tissues and bones.
Knee bursitis is a condition in which one or more small fluid-filled sacs near the knee joint become inflamed. The sacs are called bursae, which reduce friction and cushion pressure points between bones and tendons, muscles, and skin near the joints. Knee bursitis can occur on either side of the knee joint, but most commonly affects the area over the kneecap or on the inner side of the knee below the joint.
Kyphosis is a condition characterized by excessive forward rounding of the upper back. It is a common condition that can affect people of all ages, from infants to older adults. The degree of curvature can vary from mild to severe, and it can cause significant pain and discomfort.
Lactose intolerance is a condition where people are unable to fully digest the sugar in milk, known as lactose. This leads to symptoms like diarrhea, gas, and bloating after consuming dairy products. The condition is usually harmless but can be uncomfortable for those affected.
Laryngitis is an inflammation of the voice box (larynx) that occurs when the vocal cords become inflamed due to overuse, irritation, or infection. The larynx is a complex structure that contains two folds of mucous membrane covering muscle and cartilage. The vocal cords are responsible for producing sound by opening and closing smoothly, allowing air to pass through and vibrate. When the vocal cords become inflamed, it can cause pain and discomfort when speaking or singing.
Latex allergy is a reaction to certain proteins found in natural rubber latex, a product made from the rubber tree. If you have a latex allergy, your body mistakes latex for a harmful substance. This reaction can cause a range of symptoms, from mild to severe, and even life-threatening.
Lead poisoning occurs when lead builds up in the body, often over months or years. Even small amounts of lead can cause serious health problems. Children younger than 6 years are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning, which can severely affect mental and physical development. At very high levels, lead poisoning can be fatal.
Left ventricular hypertrophy is a condition where the walls of the left ventricle, the heart's main pumping chamber, become thickened. This can occur due to various factors, including high blood pressure, valve disease, and coronary artery disease. As the heart wall thickens, it can become stiff and less effective at pumping blood.
Legg-Calve-Perthes (LEG-kahl-VAY-PER-tuz) disease is a childhood condition that occurs when blood supply to the ball part (femoral head) of the hip joint is temporarily interrupted and the bone begins to die. This weakened bone gradually breaks apart and can lose its round shape. The body eventually restores blood supply to the ball, and the ball heals. But if the ball is no longer round after it heals, it can cause pain and stiffness. The complete process of bone death, fracture and renewal can take several years.